She’d never hated it more than she did at that moment. It was nothing but a reminder of the things they’d shared.
She sniffled, not bothering to wipe away the tears. Not now, when they were finally talking.
It was easier with the door between them.
Easier because she didn’t have to see the hurt in his eyes. She didn’t have to look at that painfully beautiful face. She didn’t have to see that mouth that didn’t smile for her anymore.
“I know,” she murmured. “I love you.”
Falling in love with Ryker had nearly killed her, but she’d done it. She’d given him her heart, and even after the torture and his cold treatment, it still belonged to him.
What did that say about her?
A pained chuckle came from the other side of the door. Something thumped, and then he groaned.
“Of course,nowshe fucking says it. Give her time, I told myself. She’ll get there, just wait.”
The door rattled like he dropped his head against it.
She should’ve told him on their wedding night. She knew that, but she thought they would have more time.
Of all the fucking times to be wrong.
“Ryker—”
He snarled, and she clamped her mouth shut.
“The fucking problem is that whilesomeof what you told me wastrue,Ineverlied to you,” he said. “From our very first meeting, I spoke the truth. I gave you my heart, and you…”
His voice trailed off, and he didn’t finish the sentence. He didn’t need to. His meaning was clear, and his unspoken words echoed as though he had screamed them.
You broke us.
You destroyed us.
You shattered everything we could have had.
You ended us.
More tears flowed down her cheeks, and she rested her head against the door. Who knew unspoken words could cause so much pain?
“I… I can’t do this tonight.” His voice cracked, and he groaned. “Just… come outside when you’re ready.”
Footsteps announced his departure, and moments later, the front door slammed shut.
He was gone.
The brokenness between them was a gaping ocean.
“Fuck.” She’d meant for the word to come out strong, but it was a half-mangled sob.
Her heart had been twisted and stomped on, burned and frozen. It hurt so much, and she didn’t know what to do about it.
So, she didn’t do anything.
Brynleigh gave herself five minutes to cry. Five minutes to let all the pain pour down her cheeks. Five minutes to sit in the hurt washing through her.
And then she stood, wiping away her tears.